Don’t let cold weather keep you from having fun!

By Maha Kashani

Photo: Experience Vine & Canvas at the Dayton Art Institute, Feb. 27

Brr! It’s been a cold 2014. I’m sure we will all remember enduring the terror known as the “Polar Vortex” for years to come, and round two – affectionately dubbed as the Polar Vortex’s younger brother – who came out to play last week. Looking forward at Accuweather’s 30-day forecast, with the Arctic chills seemingly behind us, February is projected to be fairly mild, trending around 30 degrees all month. Given what we’ve recently experienced, 30-degree weather actually sounds pretty good.

This cold weather may be keeping us indoors, but let’s not let it keep us from having fun. Here are just a few great opportunities to get out and about this February.

Did you know?

Dayton is the epicenter of college basketball in America. For the 14th consecutive year, the road to March Madness will start here. The University of Dayton Arena has hosted more than 100 NCAA tournament games – more than any other facility in America. Impressive? Yes, I know! The First Four sells out every year, so don’t miss your chance to experience the Dayton region’s energy, excitement and passion for March Madness. Plus, for each lower arena ticket purchased, Dayton Hoopla will purchase and donate three additional tickets to local students and Airmen at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Since 2012, supporters have donated more than 5,000 tickets to our students and airmen thanks to the generosity of people like you and other Big Hoopla sponsors. Let’s keep the tradition alive and let everybody know Dayton has the HOOPLA! The NCAA March Madness First Four is March 18-19. daytonhoopla.com

Miss Maha’s Best Bets to:

Dine around Dayton

Winter Restaurant Week – Now through Sunday, Feb. 2, at select restaurants around the Dayton Region

The Miami Valley Restaurant Association’s much anticipated semi-annual dining event is here. Dozens of local restaurants are offering special three-course meals for $20.14, $25.14, or $30.14, giving you an opportunity to explore their menus and sample some of their best sellers. Plus, for each meal sold, restaurants will be donating $1 toward a local charity such as Oaktree Corner, Paw Patrol and the MVRA Scholarship Fund. Visit DineoutDayton.org for a complete listing of participating restaurants –make sure you call ahead to make reservations.

Who said fairy tales are just for kids? This timeless Brothers Grimm favorite is brought to life as the Dayton Opera creates a delightful yet haunting operatic experience for all ages. Audiences will be especially delighted by the creatures of the forest, brought to life through the puppetry magic of the amazing local Zoot Theatre Company. Dayton ENCORE young professionals will also be in attendance for the Friday night performance. Enjoy your opportunity to experience this remarkable fantasy as it comes to life on the Mead Theatre stage, then head over to the Dayton Racquet Club for a post-show party to nibble on some snacks while you mix n’ mingle with the cast. For more details, visit DaytonPerformingArts.org or for Young Professionals, check out Facebook.com/DaytonEncore to learn more about the ENCORE event. COST: General Admission Tickets starting at $36; ENCORE young professional tickets are $30

Each month, Generation Dayton – the region’s leading young professionals networking organization – gathers together for a special happy hour at a unique location around the Dayton Region. In February, Thirsty Thursday will take place at the new Lock 27 Brewing in Centerville. Lock 27’s claim to fame as a provider of small-batch, artisan craft beer is their belief in “quality over quantity, adventure over refrain and exploration of the world beyond boundaries.” A “gastrotap room” with artisan ales and lagers, as well as globally-inspired wines and small plates makes this venue a great fit to meet the region’s next generation of movers and shakers for a cold one. Don’t forget your business cards! GenerationDayton.org

“Great art meets great wine” at the Dayton Art Institute’s exciting new Vine & Canvas series. DAI has outdone themselves again, offering the community yet another unique way to explore one of our region’s greatest assets. Guests will take a themed, docent-led tour of works in the DAI’s permanent collection, followed by a related wine tasting in Leo Bistro. There are 4 tour-and-tasting themed events total taking place from January through April, with February’s event featuring women winemakers and focusing on women artists in the museum’s collection. Space is limited, so don’t delay. DaytonArtInstitute.org.

Remember to keep checking your Dayton City Paper each week for unique and exciting ways to stay entertained. You can also “like” me at Facebook.com/MMATC or follow me on Twitter @MissMaha for more positive, local news and things to do in and around the Dayton Region. Until next month, stay warm and have fun!